Diff of Opinion - Obstruction Jurisdiction

[AtlUmpSteve]

I can't see it addressed in ASA or NFHS umpire manuals. It is addressed in the NCAA Manual. Please remember that NCAA still allows many more "wrecks" than ASA or NFHS, with "about to receive", and primarily assumes three umpire mechanics.

"In most cases an umpire is responsible for ruling on the interference, obstruction, or contact involving the runner coming at him/her. Proximity of the action to another umpire, or the responsible umpire being involved in a play on another runner, could dictate a different umpire taking the call.

Before calling or signalling an interference, obstruction or wreck that is not in your calling area or that is not your responsibility, obtain eye contact with the responsible umpire. If he/she has the play, then defer judgment on the call to him/her. If his/her attention is elsewhere, then take the call. Be assertive and aggressive and prepared to explain your judgment."

Left unsaid, but I believe should be assumed, is that many times your partner will not make eye contact because they totally missed the reason for the call to begin with. If no eye contact is made, it should be considered that the attention was elsewhere, and a call should be made, if appropriate.